Hi everyone - I have some questions about the most efficient way to get
birding information when going to far-off places. I and many others have
put requests on Tweeters when we are going somewhere new and interesting,
and we have such a well-traveled group that I always get back useful
responses. My question is, do people mind these inquiries? I'm hesitant to
keep doing this in case it's annoying people. On the other hand, my trips
to these places has been immeasurably enhanced by the information received
and contacts made, and I always appreciate those who take the time to respond.

Another alternative would be to make better use of the internet. I admit
that my internet skills are somewhat limited at this point. I can send
e-mail and join discussion groups like this one, but have not really
mastered the rest of it. I have dinked around on the Web, but seldom really
seem to find what I'm looking for. Really learning the search engines is
something I know I need to do, but it's just one of a long list of
technology learning curves that needs to be mastered with limited time.
Does anyone know of a birding "address" where internet/Web addresses for
birding groups have been comprehensively compiled? Or could we compile a
list and put it in the Tweeters FAQ? I would feel better posting questions
for obscure localities if I could make an attempt to get this information
first on my own. Thanks for any thoughts, advice, discussion...

Teresa Michelsen
tcmnem at halcyon.com